The ladies of the Nancy Ward DAR Chapter,Chickamauga DAR chapter,VFW and American Legion 159 ready to serve the veterans.

- photo by Nancy Henderson

Daughters of the American Revolution are strong supporters of our military, both active duty and those who have served their country in other wars. Christmas is a special time of remembrance and reflection. Our Nation has been fighting a war that has lasted over a decade. Many soldiers have returned with special needs from the conflict.

"Veterans of past wars are no different. Battle leaves a soldier with both physical and emotional injuries. The DAR takes part in helping the veterans in a number of ways.

There are five chapters of the DAR in the Chattanooga area - Nancy Ward, Chief John Ross, Chickamauga, Judge David Campbell and Moccasin Bend, as well as the John Sevier SAR chapter, that provide drinks and snacks for the VA Center in East Brainerd on a rotating basis throughout the year. Many people who go to the center have long waits for treatment and transport.

Over Christmas there is a special effort to make the veterans feel appreciated for their service and their sacrifices. The counseling center Christmas party feasted on boxes of chicken and biscuits. The outpatient Center had a Christmas party for all the people coming through. One veteran stated that this was the highlight of the year. He was warm and well fed. He took a blanket with him that had been donated by one of the organizations that was involved in the party. DAR, VFW, American Legion 159, and caring citizens served up punch, cookies and other Christmas goodies to a steady line of veterans and their families. The staff did a wonderful medley of Christmas songs. Not only blankets but hats, gloves, calendars and magazines were passed out.

The 2016 Empty Stocking Fund has completed a 10-day on-the-air radio campaign on My Mix 104.1/WCLE with its biggest year in 45 years. Listeners gave over $78,000 to provide Christmas gifts to over 1,000 children in Cleveland and Bradley County. Donors continue to give and sponsors anticipate numbers to grow in weeks to come . The Empty Stocking Fund represents ... (click for more)

CDOT announces intermittent lane closures on Vance Road between Airport Road and Lee Highway for resurfacing. Work will start on Monday and continue until Saturday, Dec. 17. Traffic control devices will be in place to direct traffic, but motorists should expect delays during these times. In order to view a map of these closures, click here . (click for more)

Rev. Lurone Jennings, administrator of City Youth and Family Development, has been suspended for one week for misallocation of funds. He also is to be issued a letter of reprimand and will undergo ethics training. The action came after a critical audit report from City Auditor Stan Sewell. It says Mr. Jennings transferred $18,500 of funds to a program, Journey Educational ... (click for more)

Walker County Sole Commissioner-Elect Shannon Whitfield said there will be a new arrangement for holding of public commissioner sessions when he takes place at the start of January. Current Commissioner Bebe Heiskell has held Thursday meetings at 3:30 p.m. from time to time in a conference room at her office near the Walker County Courthouse in LaFayette. Mr. Whitfield said those ... (click for more)

Spreading false information isn't only harmful, as we've been made aware recently. The spread of false information can be outright dangerous. Calling himself a Christian and all, Roy truly disappoints on so many levels with his recently opinion piece about black students attending predominately white schools being the cause of so much problems and grief at those schools. ... (click for more)

If I could change one thing about the schools in Chattanooga, my wish would be that everybody could become good friends. I’m talking about the private schools versus the public schools. The rancor is so bad we hardly ever play in sports anymore and what the loathsome TSSAA has done in recent years to the out-numbered private schools is sinful. My dream would be that there would ... (click for more)